Saint Raymond Nonnatus
Feast day: August 31
Mercedarian of captive redemption — feast on August 31, invoked for expectant mothers and prisoners.
Saint Raymond Nonnatus was born in Catalonia around 1204 and entered the Order of Mercy to ransom Christian captives.
His surname Nonnatus (not born) refers to tradition that he was taken from his mother's womb after her death — a symbol of protection in childbirth.
He exercised redemption of prisoners with heroism, enduring persecution and the silencing of his tongue to keep secrets.
He became a cardinal and papal legate; he died in 1240. Canonized in 1657.
His liturgical feast is August 31. He is invoked especially for expectant mothers, difficult childbirth, and prisoners, with great devotion in Latin America.
Dedicated prayer
To the Mercedarian of captive redemption, we ask help for expectant mothers, childbirth, and prisoners.
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